Hi Larry,

I am divorced and single. I filed for Medicare benefits upon turning 65 in September 2015, but I opted NOT to apply for social security benefits. I initially paid $317.40 per quarter ($104.90/month) for my Medicare Part B. After the increase in January, 2016 I am paying $365.40 per quarter ($121.80/month).

I will turn 66 (my FRA) in September 2016 and, thanks to your educational forum, I filled out a restricted application to apply for my sposual benefits which have been approved to begin in September 2016. That means I will receive my first social security benefit payment in October, 2016.

This past week I received a premium notice for my Medicare for the months of September, October & November 2016 in the amount of $365.40. It says payment is due by 8/25/2016.

Here is my question: If I submit my payment for Medicare, will my premium also automatically come out of my first spousal benefit payment in October for the September Medicare Part B premium? I do want to make sure that I have the Part B premium taken out of my spousal benefit payments soon because if there is no increase in Social Security Benefits, I want to make sure I am protected from having my Medicare Part B premium increase.

Any advise on how to handle this?

Hi,

Your Medicare premiums will be withheld from your Social Security payments, but the Social Security payment for September is not issued until October, and the Medicare premium deducted from that check covers your Medicare premium for October. Since your quarterly billing is for the months September through November, there is a partial overlap.

Ideally, you could just send in the premium amount for September, or 1/3rd of the total amount billed, but I don't believe Medicare will accept a partial payment. You may want to double check that by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Otherwise, I would send in payment for the full 3 months, realizing that duplicate premiums will be withheld from your Social Security payments. Once SSA informs Medicare that premium withholding has started, Medicare should refund any excess premiums that you paid out of pocket. Doing this will not adversely affect your being held harmless for next year's Part B premium increase if there is no corresponding Social Security cost of living increase.

Best, Jerry